Salomon Ring of Steall Skyrace™

20-Sep-2019 Kinlochleven, Lochaber, UK (Scotland)

The Salomon Ring of Steall Skyrace™ follows in the tradition of Skyrunning, which consists of uncompromising mountain running, such as scrambling along mountain ridges with steep ascents, traverses and descents on technical and challenging terrain.

This Skyrunning race route incorporates two lofty ridges within the Mamores, including the Devil’s Ridge, which provides a thrilling and airy traverse with Glen Nevis visible ahead and as a yawning drop far below, and Ben Nevis beyond and towering above.

Our race route is set within the Mamores, which are an east - west series of majestic Munros (Scottish Mountains over 3,000ft / 914m) and in this route there are four that will be summited. The Salomon Ring of Steall Skyrace™ was an immediate hit when it launched in 2016 and has already established itself as a classic Skyrunning event.

Event Organiser

Ourea Events

Beginner

Suitable for: First ultra runners completing a marathon or doing regular long distance running in the last six months.

Intermediate

Elevation: Increase of up to 1000 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed at least one ultra distance race (or similar event) or are doing long distance running (>26 miles) regularly, with elevation shown.

Advanced

Elevation: Increase of up to 1500 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed several ultra distances or similar events, or are doing long distance running regularly, with elevation shown.

Expert

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with some challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity or heat) and or technical terrain

Suitable for: Experienced runners who have completed at least regular ultra distances in last 12 months, or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races may be subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements.

Brutal

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with very challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity, heat or at high altitude) and or technical terrain.

Suitable for: Very experienced long distance ultra runners (min 3 years’ experience) or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races is often subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Purchase of specialist kit is often recommended for these races.

Endurance - Multi-activity

Type: An ultra distance race including at least two of the following activities such as running, swimming, cycling, kayaking, skiing and climbing. It may also include different climatic conditions (eg ice, snow, humidity, cold water, mud or heat).

Suitable for: Experienced multi-skilled athletes who have trained for the different activities included in this event. Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements and any specialist equipment required such as a wetsuit, skis or a mountain bike.

Global - Virtual

Type: A virtual race which can be run at any time shown on the dates shown, on any type of terrain in any country.

Suitable for: For runners from beginners to experienced as you choose your own course and challenge based on the guidelines and options set by the virtual race organiser.

Review Salomon Ring of Steall Skyrace™

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Neil

03:03 29-11-16

Toughest (possibly slowest!) 18 miles in my running career. Breathtaking in every sense. We were blessed with stunning weather and no midges! I would definitely score this race closer to 4.5 for difficulty.Not just 3!!!

After a half mile of road the race 'proper' opens with pretty much a VK to start proceedings. Mostly through bog. But it is worth the slog when you make it up onto the Ring of Steall. From then on the views are beyond words for the rest of the race.

The whole race is spent either climbing or descending and I don't recall any flat ground at all. Classic skyrace terrain. Some easy scrambling and exhilarating ridge running is part of the fun and had me laughing and whooping like a child :o)

As an ultra runner I thought I'd do ok but the race was way out of my comfort zone. You really need a lot of mountain and hill climbing content in your training to be in the right kind of condition for this race. I still enjoyed it hugely but I was just slow!

I'd recommend having 3 water bottles as there is only one aid station. This is at about half distance but not half way in terms of time. Despite topping up at a couple of burns lots of runners ran out of water before the last climb and it was a long way to the next water source which is on the descent back down to Kinlochleven. On a day with more 'Scottish' weather maybe this would be less of a problem. But worth stashing an additional soft bottle in your pack I'd say.

The race is the middle of 3 (4 from 2017). With a VK on the Friday. RoS on the Saturday and then the frankly awesome Glencoe Skyline on the Sunday. Everyone hung out at the Ice Factor climbing centre in Kinlochleven during the weekend and the atmosphere was fantastic. A great opportunity to grab some tips from the elite racers over a coffee or three.

So, not my best ever race but definitely one of the most exhilarating experiences. I will be back in 2017 to try out the new 'Ultra' race that has been added to the calendar.